Hello there! I'm back. Finally made it through christmas and finished this chapter.

I'm kinda telling my view on the "True Legend of Sparda" telltale here, so it would be interesting to see your theories, about what really happened. If you don't know what I mean, please read the chapter, haha. It's quite conversational and it was rather hard, because Vergil doesn't talk much. Usually. ;)

Christmas just ended for me. I hope, you had a pleasant time celebrating, if you celebrate it that is. :D

Anyways, have fun reading and rate/comment!

Chapter 12: Revelations

I know there's been stigma 'round me
I know you heard things about me
You sleep one eye closed
Too scared to get heartbroke
Heard too many lies told
Don't make this shit my fault
I could tell why you would doubt me
I hit one time, you can't live without me
Girl I'm just peakin', I'm just tryna be on top of you
On top of you

All I know
All I know, all I know, all I know
All I know is this

(The Weeknd - All I Know)

His unfamiliar, but unique scent was strong now, that he stood so near to me. It reminded me of lavender and something a bit musky, but not unpleasant. It was a flavoury mix, which seemed to engulf my mind and make me even dizzier than I was before.

„You're probably right." I nodded and finally looked at him as I took a few steps backwards, to bring some distance between us.

His eyes mustered me curiously. There was still a bit concern hidden in his cold mask.

„But not alone." He continued, making it sound more like an order. „Come with me."

I couldn't even argue against it, as Vergil grabbed my arm firmly and began to drag me up the alley way.

„N-no. Wait... My friend. She's... I don't wanna leave her alone!" I started to struggle against his unyielding grip on my forearm. My blabbering was hardly identifiable, but my voice didn't break this time. Progress.

Vergil sighed, slightly unnerved, and began to pinch the bridge of his keen nose with his free hand. It didn't seem to convince him, as he grabbed my arm a little tighter and didn't stop walking.

„...and my keys! Of course! They are still in my bag with her." I exclaimed sheepishly.

He deadpanned me before he grunted.

„Find your friend. And tell her, that you're leaving. Immediately. I'll stay here."

He paused for a brief second to let go of my arm and stepped in front of me, so his gaze directly captured mine. „And do not keep me waiting."

I merely nodded. Vergil crossed his arms before his chest and stepped aside to let me through. I was not sure, if I was left any other option than to obey.

Although his light threat let me grumble in disapproval, I was more than happy, that he wasn't coming along.

These weren't Brooklyn's problems and she should not get involved with him.

Speeding up my pace, I left Vergil behind me. As I wandered up the alley to the pub, I could still feel his gaze piercing through me from behind. I hastily pushed the heavy, dark door open and then searched for my best friend.

I would not leave her alone to venture back home through the gloomy city. Fact had proven just 10 minutes ago, that not everyone around here was friendly.

„Ah, there she is." I mumbled to myself as I spotted Brooks at the same table, where we were drinking at before. I hurried over to them. The boys from our uni were still seated around her. I cleared my throat as I stood, but they didn't seem to notice me. They were too enthralled by Brooklyn's talking. I cleared my throat a bit louder and spoke up:

„Sorry it took so long!" Everyone suddenly stopped their blabbering and looked at me.

I smiled a half smile, as Brooks rose up, her arms already reaching for me.

„Oh my god, Joe. Finally!" she exclaimed and hugged me tight.

„What happened? You look a little … wild." Brooks couldn't hide her concern as she held me on arm's length.

Oh, no. Were there any signs of the fight? I didn't want to scare her or make her worry about me. And she definitely would, if there was just the slightest hint.

„Ah, it's nothing. I tripped a few times on my way. Too drunk to walk." I tried to muse with a light, but nervous chuckle, as I scratched the back of my head. I so hoped, that the lying would find an end soon. This whole secrecy thing was straining my nerves.

Brooklyn squinted her eyes at me. Of course. She was doubting it and of course, she was right. But she needed to believe it, just this once.

I rolled my eyes at her theatrically. „Calm down. I'm fine. I'm still alive."

I bit my lower lip.

Brooks exhaled audibly. Her eyes mustering me again. „I'm glad you're back. But I was worried. You're a big, fucking, idiot for taking an eternity to just walk through the streets. Alone. Never do that again. The city is still new to us, you know?"

She almost whispered the last part.

„Yes, yes. I know. And I'm sorry." I sighed deeply. And paused for a few seconds before I continued:

„I was actually considering to leave now. How about you?"

Slight relief sparked in her eyes by my question. „Well, good you ask. I just called Jared to come pick us both up. I've had enough for tonight." Brooks rubbed her cheeks.

She had always done that. It was her way of showing fatigue. She would normally wear make-up and couldn't rub her eyes, because she would smear everything over her whole face and leave a black mess. And so she would just rub the less critical spots.

I smiled at her knowingly.

„Oh, I... I called a cab for me and it's waiting, I believe. You go on and drive with Jared, so you don't have to make a detour." I tried to convince Brooks, that I would be fine and we should go separated ways.

„Uhm, no? Joe, this doesn't make sense. Cabs are expensive. You don't have that kind of extra money. Besides, I don't think you should be driving alone." Brooklyn was still smiling, because she didn't see my growing despair.

Fear was creeping up on me, that my time for talking was running short. And I was right.

What the hell should I do now? Internally freaking out I began to studder.

„I-uh. Well..."

…

„What is taking so long?" I winced at the sharp growl behind me.

Oh no. Good heavens, no! This wasn't happening, was it?

„Joelle." His demanding voice froze me to the spot. It was too strange, to hear my name from his lips.

I couldn't turn around in that moment. Instead I mustered Brooklyn's changing expression right in front of me, as she acknowledged the intruder. Her eyes were transfixed and big with surprise, the words she wanted to utter just a second ago, extinguished. She was, like me, completely motionless, but her eyes told stories. Stories of the man right behind me, Vergil.

Yeah. I had been a fool for believing, that he would wander around, unnoticed and that he would wait for me. The effect, that his appearance just had, was too obvious. His looks, posture and height must've blown any girl's and maybe even boy's mind. Beyond that, I was sure now, that demons had some kind of strange aura, that lured victims into their trap. And normal people wouldn't know. Know, what he was and what he was capable of.

Now Brooklyn began to gawk at him and I couldn't take it anymore. I rolled my eyes and stepped towards her to shake her softly.

"Who... is that?" She stammered, her normally vibrant voice a small squeak.

"And more importantly, why does he know your name?!" It was merely a high whisper. Brooklyn extended her index finger to quickly point at him in her disbelief.

I hadn't noticed until now, that Vergil had stepped closer and stood now only a few inches behind me. I closed my eyes and exhaled sharply.

I had to admit, the shadow, that his form cast over me, had something uncanny.

Brooklyn had noticed by now, that her starring was kind of obvious and a bit misplaced. She straightened herself and leaned past me to speak to Vergil directly. I looked at the ceiling and tried to forget the whole situation for a couple of seconds. The short moment of peace eased my racing mind and heart a bit. But when I heard Brooks clearing her throat, I began to pray internally.

"Excuse me, Mr. but I was just holding a conversation here. So could you please wait for a second?"

Brooks caught up to her old self really quick, but all I could do, was to gulp hard. Vergil was everything, but not patient. I had experienced that before.

It couldn't get any worse than that, could it?

Brooklyn crossed her arms in front of her chest and looked past me with a cheeky expression. Then she came near to my face to whisper her burning question:

"Who is this, what's his name, Joe?"

Really, Brooks?

...

Her question was almost inaudible and only meant for my ears, but as an answer came a frustrated growl behind me.

I was about to open my mouth, when suddenly Vergil spoke:

"None of your concern." He snarled.

Brooklyn's eyes grew wide again and her mouth stood agape with indignation.

"I can't believe, he just heard that." She whispered once again, more to herself than to me.

God dammit. Couldn't he at least try and act not like a demon in public?

What was I supposed to do now? I couldn't possibly introduce them to each other...

"We have to leave. Now." His dark voice echoed in the back of my skull. Vergil didn't move, but I could feel his glare piercing me. I gritted my teeth, as I searched for a solution to end this conversation in the smoothest way possible. I turned around and returned his intent gaze.

"Give me a moment please. It won't take long. And you don't want to reveal yourself right here, do you?" I whispered. And even though the bar was still noisy and filled with lively laughter, I was damn sure he understood everything.

His sharp inhale was his only response, when he suddenly turned on his heel and started to head for the door. I lingered a moment longer in surprise, before I directed my attention to Brooks again. I had expected him to protest a bit more, than just a stare.

Brooklyn frowned at me. "What was that just about?"

"Uh-mh..." I stammered. "Probably the most impatient cab driver I've ever met." I tried to joke, but failed miserably.

"A cab driver. Really." Brooks raised an eyebrow at me and crossed her arms before her chest in disbelief. "He for damn sure picked the wrong job with that mug."

Knowledge sometimes was indeed painful. Right in that moment, I'd wished to scream at the top of my lungs and speak out the truth. But it wasn't meant to be. I would carry these secrets with me to the grave probably.

"Uh-huh. I'll be going then-..." I reached around her to grab my back and jacket and then flung my arms around her for a quick hug. Brooks returned it briefly, but I could feel, that there was still tension inside of her.

As I turned around, Brooks caught me mid-air. "Whatever it is, that you're keeping from me, it better be worth it. But I trust you, Joe. You have your reasons."

The raw hurt in her eyes almost tore me apart. She nodded, probably to reassure herself, that she made the right decision. I gulped hard and watched as Brooks tried to search for an answer in my eyes.

A heart of gold and a sense like a sleuth. How could she end up, having me as her best friend? I sometimes felt like I didn't deserve her by my side.

I pressed my mouth together to conceal my anger and arising sadness.

"Thank you." I whispered. I just wanted to protect you.

"We'll talk about this. Don't you worry." She threatened wearily.

There was still scepticism in her eyes, but at least she knew, that I didn't want to lie to her. I would make it up to Brooklyn somehow.

She pulled me in for one last hug and then slightly pushed me away.

"Now, go." Her mouth forming a small smile.

I returned it, more forced than wanted.

...

When I walked out of the pub, the cool air greeted me. My skin tingled and I breathed in deeply. I didn't feel so drunk anymore, but my head had started to pound over time. Stupid hangover.

I looked around. The streets were dead empty. No cars or people were passing by and it seemed awfully quiet. How late was it actually?

To top it all of, there was no white haired demon, that stomped up and down the alley, dying of impatience. There was literally nobody.

Unsure of what to do, I cleared my throat and waited for any sign, a movement maybe in the shadows. But nothing.

Again I began to wander down the road, but with hesitance. I wouldn't go that far this time. If push came to shove, I would go back inside the Pub.

"Really now. I just lied to my best friend because of you. And now you keep me waiting, you bastard." I mumbled to myself.

A loud hiss tore through the air and light flashed behind me. I gasped in surprise and whirled around.

...

"You should choose your words more wisely. Cursing corrupts a human soul like nature a blossomed rose. Slowly and unsightly."

Vergil had appeared behind me, his eyes hooded with a heavy lid. He sneered as he began to observe me. Immediately feeling vulnerable. I began to shift from one leg to another and intently tried to avert his gaze.

"Besides, lying is a sin." He crossed his arms. One hand clutching a long sheath with oriental ornaments at the top. A katana.

"Oh, really? And who are you to lecture me about sinning..." I retorted dryly.

"We will both go to hell then."

"I hope, they at least provide separate rooms down there." I taunted, but not really in the mood for Vergil's games.

"Believe me, they don't. There are no rooms. Just death." His cold tone made me almost wince.

I gulped, but tried to keep my mask of apathy.

"Come now. It's late." He said in his deep voice, a bit calmer. Vergil strode over to me and laid his free hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him, furrowing my brow in confusion. Before I could even move or ask, what he intented to do, I felt my body move through space and time.

The cool air hit me like a whip and I couldn't help, but press my face into Vergil's chest.

He seemed to notice that and pulled up the other half of his coat to shield me.

I didn't say anything, I probably hadn't even been able to. The pressure on my whole body made it hard to just breathe steadily.

Mere seconds later, we exited this strange tunnel of nothingness and blue light. I blinked a few times to adjust my eyes to the familiar darkness of the city's streets again. I peaked past Vergil's arm, that still held up his coat.

My front door.

"We've arrived." He murmured, before he straightened himself and set me on the ground. I hadn't noticed until now, that he had held me with his other arm the whole time.

Vergil stepped beside me, to let me pass and open the door.

I hesitated one more moment to look back at him. He still had that light sneer all over his face and it forced a light shiver to run down my spine. I had no idea, what was going on in his mind and it was probably the best, if it stayed so.

As I turned the key around, the door opened with a light click.

I stepped inside.

Quickly I turned around to close the door again, just like I normally would, if I was going home alone. Nobody was standing outside and I couldn't believe my own eyes.

Did he really just vanish and let me be alone from now on? I wasn't a prisoner in my own home anymore?

...

As I closed the door, I let my hand rest on the handle and breath in with relief.

A light shuffle behind me startled me a second later though...

Of course. Vergil did teleport inside. How stupid of me to believe I was a free person.

I only snorted at him. He wore that weary, cold stare like always and didn't say a thing.

Pressing past him, I made it quickly to my front door. On my way up the stairs, I didn't hear a single foot step behind me. He would be there anyway.

I didn't bother to close the door behind me, but straightly walked to the coat rack, where I ridded myself of my jacket and purse.

"How kind of you, to leave the door open." Vergil muttered sarcastically. I heard my front door falling shut and followed foot steps in my direction. My little hallway was pitch black and I could've sworn I saw a pair of blue eyes sinisterly glowing in the darkness. I gasped at the weird and unfamiliar sight, before I hurriedly looked away and stepped into the living room to light up some lamps.

"Stop that." I uttered.

"Stop what?" His dark voice was right behind me. "Are you by any means scared of me?"

I turned on the lamps on my windowsill, before I lit the big candle on the couch table. Meanwhile I tried to ignore him, but he made it hard for me, as he sat down on my arm chair with a raised silvery eyebrow. He let his hand wearily glide through his hair to push a few strands back, that hung into his face.

I mustered my strength, before I spoke. "No."

And there I stood, trying to withstand his unflinching, cool gaze. He observed me, even without blinking once.

"That is unfortunate." He was the one, who broke the eye contact first. I was surprised, but immediately caught myself as he rose up again and strode over to the dining table, where he left his katana.

"You know, I wasn't there to simply save you."

It took me a second to catch up with his words, but I knew what he was referring to. The incident in the alley a mere hour ago.

"Figured as much. What where you doing anyway?" He wouldn't be gone in any time soon, so I reverted to my old ways in starting a conversation.

"You remember the short power cut?"

"Yes, it didn't affect me, thank God." I mumbled.

"Well, it was an infernal breach." He turned around as he exclaimed that and began to unbutton his coat.

"A what? You mean, demons were there?"

"Correct. Hell's boundaries got shaken in that very moment and a few damned souls escaped. It caused that short blackout. I had hoped for something else to find there than just demon scum, though." His voice grew a bit frustrated, but his eyes stayed cold.

"And what is that, if I'm allowed to ask?" I retorted cynically. Why would he tell me that, if not to make me ask this question?

"A sword, long and sharp like this one." He shortly tapped on the sheathe behind him.

"A katana."

"Smart one, aren't you?" He swiftly let his mouth form a crooked smile, that never reached his eyes.

"Stop with the taunting already." I exclaimed as I rolled my eyes.

"... And impatient to top it all of."

"Wow, that's rich." I scoffed and turned away from him to let myself slump down on the couch. I reached down to untie my shoe laces, as Vergil spoke:

"This sword, that I search for isn't any kind of sword, you see. It has power. More than you could ever dream of." His eyes started to spark with a dark glow.

"I normally don't. Dream of power, you know." I crossed my arms in front of my chest and shoved away my boots with my feet. A light grumble escaped Vergil's mouth as he pierced me again with his eyes.

"This katana belongs to me and I get the feeling, that you can get it back." He pushed himself off the table and strode over to the armchair again. He took off his coat in the process and tossed it over the backrest.

I couldn't help, but observe him for a moment. He wore a black turtleneck sweater, matching black trousers and derby boots. He had his amulet fully displayed around his neck, which kind of made him look like an aristocrat. It shimmered in its usual dark red. His old style of fashion and neat clothing over all, supported his superior demeanor immensely. I was still curious, what his brother might look like. Vergil had said before, that he was the total opposite of his twin...

"What made you think, that I could do that?" I asked with true curiousity.

"You yourself." Was all he said in his weary way.

"Come on, I'm not a sniffing dog. I have no idea, where your precious Yamato is."

"Ah. So you remember? Interesting."

"Might've heard of it before you almost killed me in Limbo." I retorted, while I pulled my legs up to my chest. My father told me about the sword, which could open up the Hell gate to unleash all evil. And how Sparda used it to seal it away. At that point, I wasn't sure, if helping Vergil would do humanity any good. But a lost sword like Yamato was truly dangerous. It could fall into the wrong hands or handled without care by those, who didn't know. By any human basically.

Vergil ignored my remark and continued:

"I believe you can venture into Hell and back without being noticed. Is that correct?"

"Uh, if you put it roughly. Yeah. Care to elaborate? I'm not sure, what I could do about your missing sword." I played dumb. The mere thought about opening a vent to Hell or Limbo was a nightmare on its own.

"I'm sure it got stuck, when I fell. It is probably floating through Purgatory right now." Vergil grumbled deeply.

"You will come with me and restore it. I have no access to Hell itself anymore and that is why I need you." His intense eyes looked straight into mine.

I exhaled audibly. This whole day was – again – too much for me to handle right now.

"I need sleep. I have to think about this."

Silence followed, after Vergil slowly leaned back into the armchair.

The red candle on the table let its flame dance under the small air stream coming from the opened window. Suddenly a soft smile played around his lips, which literally shocked me for a few seconds. I've never seen such a reaction from him. Vergil then narrowed his eyes at me.

"It must've been rough for you." He paused shortly. "Today's events."

I hadn't any strength left inside of me to play strong, so I just admitted it and nodded silently. The sheer helplessness and the inability to defend myself from my attackers in my hazy mind... it was still so real.

"Humans can be monster, too."

His eyes looked dead, almost glazed as he smiled wryly.

Was it pain or hatred, that I could hear in his deep voice?

"Is that why you started all the chaos on earth? Why you opened the Hell gate? Because you think we are monsters, more than you could be? As a demon?" Burning questions bubbled out of my tired mouth. I instantly regretted asking them as I looked into Vergil's incredibly distant and cold eyes.

"Maybe it was defiance. Or hate. Redemption. Salvation. Pick one." His voice was flat and emotionless.

I didn't dare to retort.

Vergil sighed before he spoke: "I didn't do it without reason. I knew why I turned my back on your kind, while you mostly have forgotten your reason for fighting demons. You just do, what you're told to do. I have witnessed things, that would outclass any normal demon's behavior."

"What on earth could that possibly be?" I tossed my hands up as I got fueled with anger.

Vergil didn't seem to care and continued:

"Betrayal, mostly. You might've heard of Sparda. My father."

"Yes."

"He selflessly saved humanity from its demise, while putting his loved ones in danger. He did it for a greater good, so he believed at least." Vergil sneered bitterly. His eyes never left mine.

I simply nodded. I wanted him to continue.

"But eventhough he was the king of Hell and incredibly powerful, he could've not done that alone. He needed an army. Allies. He needed followers on both sides. Human and non-human."

"I see."

He narrowed his eyes at me again before he looked down into the candle. The reflection of the flame, that danced on his eyes, made them look infernal.

"One of his dearest friends, a human, betrayed him and sold him out to his greatest enemy.-"

"Mundus." I finished in shock and disbelief. I stared at Vergil.

"His motivation, for abandoning his loyalty was simple, yet so foul." His tone grew even darker.

"What was it?" I asked carefully.

"Take a wild guess." Vergil requested.

"Money?"

"Simple isn't it? It drives all men to do even the harshest deeds." He snorted.

There was the silence again, but this time I could feel it. The pure shock still went down my spine in cold shivers. Vergil's reveal on the Legend of the Dark Knight truly had its payoff.

"You can't imagine, the sort of hatred and anger I felt towards your kind after I found out. I was consumed by it." Dark veins formed around his eyes as he tried to control an ancient rage inside of him. They began to glow an eerie white, not brightly but still noticable. It quickly subsided, when he looked back at me.

I watched in silence, as he tried to calm himself.

"In my mind, I believed I needed more power. To protect myself from the world, that I was thrown into. The human world to be exact. I was despised for who I am and I was hunted down. Just for existing."

I tried to imagine, what that was like. And for my own bafflement, I could relate very well. The escape from HEXAGON and the secret life with Aiden. It all felt quite familiar.

"You might hate me for what I am. But even I have learned, that things can change." His voice was deep, but not so cold anymore. It was calm. And steady.

I didn't know what to say at first, so I kept silent and tilted my head, while thinking.

I tried to observe him neutrally. He had made a point. Demons and humans weren't all bad or good. There was definitely a grey area somewhere. But still, he had killed with no remorse.

"You do know, that you took innocent lives. For instance, those who tried to protect me from you back in the laboratory."

"They didn't seem so innocent to me. They had me captured and imprisoned you as well." He creased his eyebrows. "Not to mention the gunfire and-..."

I cut him off. "They treated me good, ok? I was not a prisoner. I had friends among them."

Vergil paused to muster me. "You should really choose your friends carefully. But, if you're going to visit them, please send my regards." He mused darkly.

"They are dead, you idiot!" I exclaimed. My voice was teary and almost broke. I was getting too emotional on the matter again.

"They are not. Not by my hand at least."

"Wha-..." I probably hadn't heard that right. "Come again?"

"They live."

"But... but I saw them, they were..."

"Lying on the ground? Motionless? Well, I made sure, that they didn't follow me. Killing them would've taken too long and drained the bit of power that was left inside of me, after I woke up from that horribly cold pod." He creased his eyesbrows again, this time in disgust.

I gawked at him. This couldn't be true. Alex? Alive and well?

"Do you have any kind of proof?" I couldn't hide my relief.

"Only my word. I encountered them a few months ago." He lazily averted is eyes and looked outside the window.

"Where? Where did you see them?" I gripped the armrest a bit too hard. My fingers started to hurt and I had to pull back.

"North from the city. Another energy spike had caused some commotion and set demons free. I cleared it."

"Do they know, that you're here?" I asked with deep concern. They would come and look for both of us. And if Vergil led them here, my cover was as good as blown.

"No."

"Okay, good."

"Don't you want to go back to your beloved father?" He teased me, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I shook my head vehemently. "Never."

"Very well." Vergil slowly nodded. I was glad, that he didn't dig any further. This wasn't the right time to talk about another horrid topic.

After a long period of pure silence, where we just sat and listened as the wind howled outside, I rose from the couch.

"I'll be going then. I'm too tired to sit anymore." I excused myself and rubbed my exhausted eyes. When I stood, I could feel the full wrath of the hangover hitting me. The dizziness was almost unbearable and I craved for my fluffy pillows and blanket.

Vergil observed me, as I dragged my feet over the floor in direction to my bedroom.

"Good night." I mumbled absentmindedly.

I was about to open the door to my bedroom, when Vergil's voice rose up from right behind me. He had teleported again, but this time it didn't scare me. I had heard the light crackling in the air and the whiff that his fast moving caused.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't earlier there before." His voice was strangely soft. And warm?

I knew, he was referring to the incident in the dark alley.

It took me a few breaths, before I turned around.

"No, don't be. I was glad, that you were there after all. Who knows what could've happened to me..." I tried to laugh, but the severity in Vergil's eyes silenced me.

"Good night, Joelle." He stood right in front of me. Motionless, his eyes hooded, looking down at me. I tried to read him, but couldn't make sense of his sudden, empathetic words.

"Good night." I retorted with a small voice, still looking into his eyes.

...

For a moment it felt like he was leaning closer to me and just a second later he was gone.

Aaaaand you made it through, good job! :D
I might be finnishing the next chapter soon, but no promises. It shouldn't be done within this year, though. Hahahaha, oh I love these new year jokes.

Ok, just ignore me! Thanks for reading. :)

Lisa x